A moment of unease unfolded in Patna as newly elected Vibha Devi — representing Janata Dal (United) (JDU) from Nawada — fumbled while reciting the legislative oath during the swearing-in ceremony of the 18th Bihar Vidhan Sabha. The video, now viral on social media, shows her struggling with the text and seeking help from a fellow legislator. The incident quickly stirred widespread debate about political representation, literacy, and the standards expected of public representatives.
What Happened?
On the first day of the new Bihar Assembly session, dozens of newly elected MLAs stood to take the official oath. When Vibha Devi’s turn came, she began reciting the standard oath in Hindi. But within a few lines, she appeared uncertain — stammering, hesitating, and visibly struggling to pronounce the words properly. After failing to progress, she turned to her neighbour, asking softly for help. MLA Manorama Devi, seated beside her, leaned in and began prompting her line by line until she completed the oath.
Observers in the assembly paused at the sight, and soon after, the clip circulated widely on social media, triggering reactions from citizens, political analysts, and media outlets.
Who Is Vibha Devi?
Vibha Devi is the JDU candidate from Nawada and is married to former legislator Rajballabh Yadav. Her rise in politics is widely seen as an extension of her husband’s political influence. According to her election affidavit, she has declared assets worth around ₹32 crore and listed her educational status as “literate.” The widespread reactions to the oath-taking moment have revived debates about the expectations from elected representatives.
Reactions & Public Response
The viral video sparked criticism not just of Vibha Devi but also of dynastic and influence-based politics. Critics argue that if a legislator struggles to read a basic oath, questions about comprehension of bills, legislative participation, and constituency representation naturally arise.
Supporters of the JDU argue that nervousness during oath ceremonies is common and does not necessarily reflect performance or legislative capability. Instances from past assemblies across states show that such fumbling is not unprecedented.
Wider Context: Oath-Taking Mistakes Are Not New
Across various state assemblies in India, oath-taking fumbling has been observed before. Mispronunciations, hesitation, and repeated attempts have been seen even among experienced legislators. These incidents often underline deeper issues such as language diversity, literacy levels, and the role of influence in political selection.
FAQs
Q1: Did Vibha Devi refuse to take the oath or was it just a struggle?
A1: She completed the oath successfully. She struggled with the text and needed help from MLA Manorama Devi but fulfilled all formal requirements.
Q2: Is this Vibha Devi’s first term as MLA?
A2: No, she has served earlier as well. Despite previous experience, the struggle during the oath has drawn widespread attention.
Q3: What language was the oath in?
A3: The oath was in Hindi, one of the official languages offered during the ceremony.
Q4: Who assisted her during the oath?
A4: Fellow MLA Manorama Devi guided her line by line to help her complete the oath.
Q5: Have other MLAs fumbled during oath-taking before?
A5: Yes, fumbling and mispronunciations have occurred in previous assemblies across various states.
Q6: What does this incident signify about political representation?
A6: Many view it as a reflection of influence-based or dynastic politics overshadowing merit and preparedness.
Q7: Did JDU issue a statement on this incident?
A7: There has been no formal official response from the party, though supporters defend her by citing nervousness.
Q8: Are there legal educational requirements for MLAs in India?
A8: No minimum educational qualification is required to contest elections in most Indian states.
Q9: Does this incident affect her membership or legality of her position?
A9: No. She completed the oath, fulfilling all official requirements, so her membership is valid.
Q10: How has the public responded?
A10: The video has triggered sharp criticism on social media, with discussions focusing on political merit, literacy, and democratic accountability.
Conclusion
The viral moment involving Vibha Devi’s struggle to read her oath has reignited important conversations about the preparedness, competence, and selection of elected representatives. While she ultimately completed the oath, the incident highlights broader voter concerns in Bihar and across India. For many, it stands as a reminder of the need for more informed voting choices and greater scrutiny in political candidate selection.
Report by Toofan Express